Welcome to the 36th Annual Bessemer Pumpkin Festival. The Bessemer Chamber of Commerce
is once again proud to sponsor this year's event. You'll find activities for the whole family.

Festivities begin Thursday evening, September 25, with the Chamber's "Business After 5" social at
the Pit Stop bar. Also starting on
Thursday are the 50/50 raffle and geo-caching.

The Bessemer Historical Society
opens its doors from 1 - 5 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday. Stop by and see the many
displays depicting Bessemer's history and heritage. You may also want to take the short drive to Copper
Peak and enjoy their Adventure Ride.
They will be open from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. all weekend.

The Poker Run begins on Saturday with the
drawing that night at midnight at the Pit Stop

On Saturday, September 27, begin your day with a hearty Pumpkin Pancake Breakfast at the St. Sebastian
School (regular pancakes are available too). The St. Sebastian Knights of Columbus fire up the griddle
from 7 - 11 a.m.

After breakfast, the entire family can spend the day downtown with special activities for kids (and
adults who want to act like kids). Vendor and food booths will be lined up on Sophie Street from 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m.

Main Street activities include a costume kiddies parade, carnival, ventriloquist
Dave Parker and Skippy performances, balloon characters and face
painting by Happy Dayz the Clown & Twinklz,
pumpkin bowling and a number of contests. Please see the Contests page for
more information. Pumpkinfest T-shirts and sweatshirts can be purchased at our information booth, the BP
gas station, and General Insurance Agency.

Pony rides and a petting zoo will be set up on Main Street.

Our craft fair will be held at the A.D. Johnston High School gym from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The gym will be
filled with crafters showing their wares. While you're at the gym, visit the Gogebic Wood Carvers in the
shop room where you can see many of their hand-carved pieces.

Also beginning at noon until 2 p.m., Bethany Ann Helen Studios will host an open house in their studio
on Sophie Street.

The Bessemer VFW will co-sponsor an open Horseshoe Tournament beginning at 1:00 p.m. The tournament is
open to the public.

Pumpkin Bingo will be played at City Hall in the DDA Meeting Room (1st floor) and the Pie Social will be
held in the City Hall Auditorium. Mike Keating will play a variety of music from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
and 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. In between, the ever popular Gogebic Range Band will play from 2 - 3 p.m. So after
all that walking and shopping, stop by for some great deserts and conversation.

And at 3:00 p.m., Dairy Queen is hosting a treasure hunt for the kids.

After a hectic day, relax and enjoy our Street Dance on Main Street. Fast Forward will entertain you
from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. If the weather is bad, they will perform upstairs at the Pit Stop.
And from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, a teen dance will be held at the City Hall Auditorium.
Refreshments will be available. There is a $3 cover charge.

Pumpkinfest closes out Sunday evening, September 28, with a Brisket & Pulled-Pork dinner at the
Bessemer VFW, from 4 - 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 each (under 10 - $5) and can be purchased at the door.
The dinner is open to the public and takeout is available. Bluegrass favorite
Up North Connection returns to provide
entertainment. A silent auction will be held throughout the dinner.

At 6:00 p.m., we will draw the 50/50 raffle winner and silent auction winners will be announced.